A real, potted Christmas tree was also used, as opposed to a fake one.
The award-winning developer, which provides a new kind of sustainable neighbourhood of tall, elegant houses, coupled with riverside walks, has also been encouraging local people to donate ‘good-as-new’ toys to Broxtowe Children’s Centre, in Nottingham.
Acting as a drop-off point for gifts, in association William H Brown, Blueprint is hoping to put a smile on the face of youngsters, whose families may not be able to provide Christmas presents this year, whether due to pandemic-related job losses or other personal challenges.
Around 20 teddies and 20 toys were kindly donated by the local community and dropped off at Trent Basin.
Kerri Bywater, new homes area partner for William H Brown, said: “Christmas can be a time which centres around buying new and often this can have a negative impact on the environment, with an estimated 68.1 billion metric tons of Carbon Dioxide created by making the toys given at Christmas.
“With so many families feeling the pinch even more so this year we wanted to show that recycling presents is possibly a way forward.
“Children still get to enjoy a toy that’s new to them without the need for families to go and buy new, and other families whose children may have outgrown their toys can give it a new lease of life.
“Trent Basin is a development which centres around environment, and community so the initiative was well received by the developers and residents, so many of which were keen to help. When we mentioned the plan to Broxtowe’s Children’s Centre, they were delighted that we’d thought of them.”
There is one last plot available on Phase 2 of Trent Basin. Phase 3 will consist of 30 plots, with first completions set for Spring 2021.
To register your interest or request a viewing, call William H Brown on (0115) 981 9828 or email westbridgford@williamhbrown.co.uk<mailto:westbridgford@williamhbrown.co.uk>
Blueprint Regeneration and William H Brown have issued some sustainable Christmas tips:
* Use recyclable wrapping paper, Christmas crackers and Christmas cards this year to help protect the environment
* Recycle your Christmas tree with Treetops Hospice’s Treecycling Service.
Their Sustainable Christmas gift ideas:
* Reusable stainless steel water bottles
* Bamboo dinnerware sets
* Home composter
* Zero waste cookbook
* Sewing machine.